Fast, flexible and eco-friendly Just-in-time (JIT) and total quality management (TQM) practices popularized during the 1980s continued to influence materials handling in the early 1990s. Ergonomic and environmental concerns were also common themes. In the later '90s, the industry focused on fast, flexible handling systems, cooperation among supply-chain partners as well as the growing power of the Internet.
1990s - Popcorn for packing - it's still not a good idea Environmentally minded companies suggested using popcorn as a biodegradable packaging material in the early 1990s. However, the Food and Drug Administration was afraid the popcorn might be eaten by rodents - or by small children. According to Modern archives, popcorn was considered and rejected as a packing material for electronic equipment back in 1958. An Air Force study concluded popcorn was not as good a cushioner as the conventional cushioning agents of the day.
1990 to 1991 - 10.5 million tons of equipment is delivered to the Persian Gulf to support Operation Desert Storm Never before has a nation moved so much, so far, so fast
1990 to 1993 - Materials Handling goes green Concerns about the environment lead to:
Recycling programs for pallets and packaging materials
Cleaner fuel for industrial trucks
1993 to 1995 - Companies focus on ergonomics in anticipation of new OSHA guidelines Tilters, balancers, turntables, pallet positioners, power-assisted dock levelers and other ergonomic equipment reduces harmful bending, reaching and pushing.
1993 to 1995 - Automation gets scaled back A Japanese trend spreads to the United States, resulting in:
Simpler AGV systems
Fewer robots and more people
1994 to 1995 - Compliance labeling becomes popular Sears, Wal-Mart and other major retailers require suppliers to meet their bar coding specifications.
1995 - UPS starts world's premier crossdocking operation This is but one example of the decade-long emphasis on flow-thru, crossdocking and other methods of increasing the speed of materials handling operations. In 1990, Rich's Department Stores tells Modern, "We don't store it - we ship it."
In 1995, videogame maker Sega begins its "virtual warehousing" strategy, taking orders for products the company never physically handles.
1995 to 1999 - Warehouse management systems (WMS) become popular and more powerful Companies replace their stock locator software with more comprehensive warehouse management systems, which provide dock-to-dock inventory control and are later integrated with transportation and manufacturing software.
1995 to 1999 - Flexibility is key Companies introduce new products at unprecedented speed, requiring flexible handling systems. Collapsible rack, modular conveyor, non-wire guided AGVs and vertical lift modules rise in popularity. Companies form close relationships with their supply chain partners.
1998 - OSHA introduces long-awaited forklift operator training regulations Training program includes lectures, videos, interactive computer programs and practical instruction.
1999 - E-commerce starts to take off Modern prints its first feature story about an Internet-based company. Streamline.com (now defunct) allows customers to order groceries, videos and ready-made meals for home delivery.
Isn't that quaint?
According to a Modern article from July 1999, typing the words "materials handling" into a Web search engine yielded "more than 220 matches." "Supply chain" returned 150 matches. A similar search today returns nearly 4 millions hits for "materials handling" and 139 million for "supply chain."
Motorola is a global leader in providing integrated communications solutions and embedded electronic solutions. These include: Software-enhanced wireless telephone, two-way radio and messaging products and systems, as well as networking and...
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Tom Andel, Columnist, Modern Materials Handling November 09, 2009 Dust off your path to lift truck safety
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